Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. And in the US, a woman has a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Yet there is hope: When breast cancer is found early, before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 99%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s US Cancer Statistics on Female Breast Cancer, released in June 2025.
Early screening remains the most powerful tool we have to save lives.
For decades, the mammogram has been the cornerstone of screening. A screening mammogram also serves as an essential first step in determining whether or not a woman has dense breast tissue. This is significant because, for women who have dense breast tissue, a mammogram alone may not be enough.
The Hidden Challenge of Dense Breast Tissue
Dense breast tissue describes the appearance of breast tissue on imaging and occurs when there is a higher concentration of fiber or glands in the breast.
About 4 out of 10 women have dense breast tissue, which is normal, though it can complicate screening. On a mammogram, dense tissue can appear similar to tumors, making abnormalities harder to see. Additionally, studies have shown that women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
“Even a 3D mammogram can miss cancers when dense tissue is present,” said Dr. Julie Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Radence. “Dense areas may not cover the whole breast. They can be just in sectors. That means a mammogram could look normal, but a cancer is hiding.”
If you have dense breast tissue, an otherwise unremarkable mammogram does not guarantee that you are in the clear.
When Mammograms Aren’t Enough
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is technology which uses magnets to generate pictures. MRI does not expose a person to ionizing radiation. For women with dense breast tissue, breast MRI provides another layer of protection, offering a more detailed view. With contrast enhancement, a breast MRI can detect small lesions that mammography may miss.
“For women with dense breast tissue, contrast-enhanced MRI can be a game-changer,” said Dr. Chen. “It can detect cancers at their earliest, most treatable stage.”
How to Make Early Detection a Priority
Breast cancer awareness is about knowledge, empowerment, and action. By understanding the role of breast density and family history, women can make more informed choices — and catch cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable.
Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule your mammogram. It remains the first step in detection.
- Ask about your breast density. If your report says you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor about next steps.
- Know your family history. It is important to know if a close relative was diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer. In cases of breast cancer, if possible, find out how old your relative was at the time of diagnosis. And ask your doctor if you need to begin screening at an earlier age, even 10 years earlier than the age your relative was when he or she was diagnosed.
- Advocate for yourself. If you feel you’re at higher risk, don’t hesitate to ask about advanced imaging like breast MRI.
Being proactive about your health with early detection screening may lead to better outcomes. It’s about taking steps that could save your life.
Why It Matters
The difference between finding cancer early and finding it late is profound. When breast cancer is detected locally, before it spreads to other parts of the body, there is a significantly greater chance of survival. Once breast cancer progresses, treatment is more complex, and outcomes become worse.
Dense breast tissue is common, and so is breast cancer. What should be uncommon are missed opportunities for early detection.
Mammograms remain indispensable. But they are not perfect. If you have dense breast tissue — and many women do — a mammogram may not be enough on its own. It is important to know your screening options, and talk with your doctor about the best ways to detect breast cancer.
